Okay, I am new here on this site. Fortunately, I happened to find this while browsign the web, searching for an answer to my question. Well, question/statement....I just bought a "new" used Monte Z34 about a week ago from a small dealer. Took it for a test drive; all seemed to be working fine. Now, I have noticed that whenever I turn the engine off, after driving somewhere, there seems to be small puffs of smoke coming from the exhaust. Not heavy, not grey or blue/grey. It looks to be white. At first, I thought it was just because of the winter months (temperatures and all), but after reading some posts here and on other sites, it has come to my attention that it could be the headgaskets going bad. Only thing is is that it doesn't seem to be happening as I drive. Of course, it's difficult to tell right now, since it is the winter and cold temps tend to condense exhaust. Or, am I completely offbase? The car doesn't seem to be overheating at all, if that has any relevance. My question, after this lengthy explanation, is: Does any one think it is something to be overly concerned about at this time? What is the best way to find out if it is the gaskets (intake included?). I am limited in cash right now, so if I can get it done myself at relatively low cost, I will go that route. What about purchasing gasket sealant? What would be the best to buy, if that is an option? In the time I have owned this car, I have enjoyed it immensely, and would hate to junk it or sell it if I can avoid it. Thank you much for your time and any valuable input you might have for me.

 

 

I own a 98 Z34. I to have noticed white smoke commin out if the exhaust after the motor was off, i figured that it was the the last of the exhaust snakin thew the pipes.

I two had a few questions.

What year?
What motor?

 

if its a '96 then its a 3.4 DOHC . best way to see if its the gaskets gone bad is to do an oil change in the driveway. if what comes out looks like foamy chocolate milk, the gasket is toast. if not.... then at least you got an oil change & filter i would say its only because its cold out, pretty much any car'll have some steam come outta the exaust.

 

The base engine has been a 3.1-liter V6, rated at 160 horsepower.

1996 A 3.4-liter engine, installed in the Monte Carlo Z34. rated at 200 horsepower.

1998 that engine was replaced by General Motors's ohv 3.8-liter V6 rated at 200 horsepower.

A 4-speed overdrive automatic is the sole transmission available.

 

The 3.4 dohc is rated at 215hp and 220 lb ft torque.

You dont necessarily have to have coolant in the oil for your headgasket to be bad. It could be bad between a coolant passage and the cylinder and just burn it rather than leak it into the oil. Just FYI, I have less than 50,000 miles on my z34 and I have puffs of white smoke that come out of my exhaust when its cold outside. I highly doubt that my headgaskets are bad.

 

I just bought a 96 Monte Carlo Z34 yesterday and when I was driving it there was white smoke coming from the hood. the temp guage is off so it shifts between hot/cold. Plus I mashed the gas and the car was not accelerating. Anyone have any ideas